Plenty of Austinites escape the scorching summer heat with European excursions – London, Paris and Rome among top destinations to visit. But, there’s a wealth of cities to see in France, in addition to the city of love – although a visit to Paris is always a good idea.
Below are a few suggestions to spark ideas for your next getaway.
Coquillade in Provence
If you enjoy biking, wine or art, you’ll love a stay at Coquillade, a five-star Relais & Châteaux estate, recently awarded two MICHELIN Keys, that’s located in the
heart of Luberon in the Provence region of France. To get there you’ll fly into Marseilles and need to take a car an hour or so to the property (or there’s also a helipad on the property), but it’s worth the journey. Start a trip here to decompress or book it for a whole trip on its own. There are a few standard rooms, a variety of suites and a six-bedroom villa available - fitting for families, bachelorette parties, writer retreats or other special occasions. The diversity of accommodations, along with the picturesque grounds, make it a perfect place for a wedding, and they host several. Set on a vineyard, you can enjoy wine made on-site during your stay as well as their world-class spa. Over 21,000 square feet, the spa is equipped with a sauna, steam room, Kneipp pools, ice fountain, sensory shower, heated indoor pool, fitness center and outdoor jacuzzis, in addition to treatment rooms. Elsewhere, take a self-guided tour of the art in the common areas, curated from the owner’s personal collection. There’s also a cycling center on-site where you can rent electric bikes to leisurely go into town, get a guided bike ride, or train for the Tour de France on Luberon’s rolling hills. They also host riding retreat! Check out their website for more. https://coquillade.fr/
Les Lumieres in Versailles
Versailles is less than 45 minutes from Paris by car and less by train, but often overlooked as a destination by those who travel to Paris – although it shouldn’t be. Versailles is great escape and home to a rich cultural history, with Palace of Versailles and its lush gardens central to the city. The ornate rooms, art, architecture and gardens filled with fountains and sculptures can be explored for hours. While a day trip from Paris is possible, Les Lumieres is reason to stay the night – or two or three nights. The hotel is housed in a 17th-century building across the street from the Palace of Versailles and is all about supporting sustainability and mental wellness – from the 31 rooms named French figures from The Age of Enlightenment to the positive quotes and affirmations that adorn the walls, to Austin’s own Ryan Holiday’s book “The Daily Stoic” in each room! The champagne bar is called Le Bar de Philosophes and the restaurant is plant-forward and encourages you to dine using all of your senses - with your phone in a wooden box beside the table.
There’s also the spa, the first to carry and use Beau Domaine, a skincare line co-founded by Brad Pitt! Both men and women can book a facial at the hotel made with his anti-aging products, and buy them to take home. https://www.leslumieres.com/
Le Cinq Codet in Paris
It’s easy to begin or end a trip to France in Paris, if for no other reason than it has the biggest airport to fly in and out. But, you don’t need to be told there’s an endless list of reasons for a visit to Paris – from landmarks like The Louvre to their museums celebrating fashion – or sitting at a sidewalk café people watching and observing the fashions of the people who live there, be it over croissants and coffee in the morning or while enjoying charcuterie and wine in the afternoons. While places to stay abound, Le Cinq Codet is a contemporary 5-star hotel located in the 7th Arrondissement, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower or Musee d’Orsay, and convenient and central to almost everything. Housed in a former telephone exchange from the 1930s and completely redesigned by architect designer Jean-Philippe Nuel it’s a great home base whether you’re visiting The Louvre, hunting for gems in the vintage stores or celebrating something special you want punctuated by Eiffel Tower views. https://lecinqcodet.com